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Hardeeville firefighter fights on

For Hardeeville Today William "Dill" Hiers has been a part of the Hardeeville Fire Department for five years.

Jessicah Peters/Hardeeville Today Hardeeville Fire Department Captain Steve Camp and Engineer Nick Kellermeyer are two of the 15 firefighters at the department who continue to support William "Dill" Hiers.

Jessicah Peters/Hardeeville Today Hardeeville Fire Department Steve Camp and Engineer Nick Kellermeyer are just two of the 15 who have shown support through the boot drive for Firefighter William "Dill" Hiers.

The Hardeeville Fire Department gathered together quickly after one of their own was diagnosed with cancer.

At 21 years old, William “Bill” Hiers was diagnosed with Lymphoma. He had his first surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina on Oct. 19 to remove the cancer in his upper left thigh.

“I’m feeling much better but still have some pain in my leg,” Hiers said Tuesday.

To help with travel and medical expenses, the Hardeeville Fire Department held a boot drive at Walmart on Sunday, which raised $1,400. Hiers returns to MUSC on Nov. 14 to speak with a Lymphoma specialist.

For six years, Hiers has volunteered with the fire rescue service. After volunteering at the Sheldon Fire Department in Beaufort County for two years, Hiers volunteered at Hardeeville Fire Department for four years before being hired last year as a firefighter.

Chief Dan Morgan said the department will continue to plan fundraisers to help Hiers and his family.

“Since the boot drive was very successful, we might do another one soon,” Morgan said. “We’ve talked about other fundraisers like a corn hole tournament but haven’t set dates yet,” Morgan said. “People can also make donations directly at SCB&T.”

After five years with the department, Hiers said the department is like a family to him.

“Everything they’re doing for me means a whole lot for me,” Hiers said. “Believe it or not, it has made it easier to go through this with their support. The department is really a good place to work and we’re like a big family.”

The Hardeeville Fire Department has 16 firefighters, including Hiers. Capt. Ronny Roberson is the cousin of Hiers and is thankful for the support.

“He’s a great kid and is the type to give you the shirt off his back,” Roberson said. “I know we’ve collected a good chunk of change with the boot drive. I’m glad the public came out for the boot drive and showed their support.”

Roberson said he would like to thank the public for their support and hopes the public continues to show support. Engineer Nick Kellermeyer couldn’t attend the boot drive on Sunday because had to stay at the department but said Hiers is a dedicated firefighter.

“Hiers is one of those guys that does anything you ask,” Kellermeyer said. “He comes in even on his days off and that’s what being a firefighter is all about.”

Morgan and his team of firefighters acted quickly to help Hiers offset the expenses of traveling to Charleston for doctor visits.

Hiers said the Hardeeville Fire Department would do the same for anyone else but was still amazed at the support shown. “It’s a small department and it has the chance to grow but they’re like family to me,” Hiers said. “I’m amazed at how much support they’ve shown.”

To make donations, the Hardeeville Fire Department has set up a Williams Hiers donation fund at SCB&T on U.S. 17 in Hardeeville.